Tactial Scope for 308

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TXHORNS

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Looking for a new scope for a 700sps tactical, 20" barrel in 308. $400 is my max. Currently have a 4-16x42 Monarch mounted but that scope is changing rifles soon so I figured in keeping with the theme of the "tactical" 700 I would get something that matches this rifle a little better. This is my only tactical type bolt gun so I'd like to try a mil-dot. I've got plenty of room to practice long shots and its something I would like to learn which is why I bought the rifle a while ago. So now its time for a proper scope.

Ive done some research here and there but I figure starting a thread on here cant hurt. So any suggestions?
 
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I really like my SWFA 10X. At $299.00, it's hard to beat. Some might say that it doesn't compare, to my $1,650 Nightforce, but neither did the price. For fact, I think that for day light shooting, it is a great scope. The adjustments are true and repeatable.

Link: http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-Scopes-C1719.aspx

Geno
 
I have read enough about those SWFA scopes to be very interested. But I'm confused; everyone says great scope for $300, but the 10x is $800. What am I missing here?
 
The SWFA SS is what I was going to recommend too. The regular 10x is $299. This is the one with rear focus, original glass, etc and still a great scope. The side focus is a $100 option that bumps the price up to $399 if you want that.

The $800 one is the 10xHD. This one has upgraded "HD" glass. It for sure has better glass than the original 10x, however it's also about 2.5 times the price and the regular SS's have quite a reputation for being great.
 
Okay making sense now, thanks for clearing that up. The SWFA for $299 sounds perfect for what I'm looking for. I have read page after page on them now. BUT I seem to be having trouble finding the correct link to buy one. All I can find to purchase are the HD, 3-9, and 6x. Anyone have a link to the $300 10x?
 
You want one of these, seriously:
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productnumber=950843

Bushnell Elite 3200 10x40mm mil-dot, mil adjustments, on sale for $199 (only to 8/31 though).

I have one. It's a very good scope. The minor drawbacks are that it won't focus closer than about 30 yards and it doesn't seem the brightest in dim light. For 30+ yards and normal daylight, it's terrific. You can certainly get better quality, but not close to this price.
 
I'm going to check on SWFA's site in just a minute, but one thing I do remember reading on Optics Talk is that they are actually out of stock right now. Or were a few days ago, but are hoping to get more in soon. Something about this shipment is stuck in customs or something. I wonder if they took them off of the site because of this. Might be best to call and talk to them.
 
I actually don't see it listed on their site, so you might want to call them. They still sell them, they must have just taken it off of the site since they are OOS at the moment.
 
I've gotta give another plug for the Bushnell Elite 3200 fixed 10X. It's a helluva scope at under $200. It should cost more. Their 3-9X32 in the 3200 line is also a very nice scope, but lacks the reticle of the 10X.
 
So the 3200 10X and the SWFA SS 10X seem to get a lot of votes for this price range and are both on my short list. SWFA is actually pretty close to me so thats gonna play a role in my choice too if I can stop by and check out the SS when they get them in stock again. I sent them an email about their SS.

I have some interest in this one too: http://www.snipercentral.com/weavergslam.phtml
 
I actually have that Weaver 3-10x40 mildot also, but haven't mounted it to a gun yet. Another great deal from Midway. Comparing it back to back to the Elite 3200 in identical conditions (the same time), it is noticeably brighter, and seems clearer and sharper - but in really bright sunlight the Elite 3200 seems just as clear and sharp. The Weaver has only about 56 MOA of adjustment while the Elite has 80 MOA, which may be helpful in some cases. The Weaver will focus much closer when zoomed out at less than 10x. Both are mil/mil (in versions available from Midway) and they have very similar turrets with very similar feel. I haven't done a detailed tracking test but others who have mostly report that both of them track well. I like both of them very well.

BTW, both of those scopes are fully made in Japan, I believe in the very same factory ("LOW," Light Optical Works, where half or more of Japanese scopes are made for many different brands). The Weaver gets you a zoom and better light transmission, the Elite gets you Rainguard and costs 2/3 as much. Both good options.
 
Incidentally, I think that Weaver 3-10x40 is back on sale for $299 during September at Midway. That and the Elite have been alternatingly on sale for most of the last 6 months.
 
I know its twice the price of the 3200 10x but this one looks good too: http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=273033

Since I've never shot more than 300 yards I'm not sure I would need more than 10x.

Actually this one is 1/4moa and not mil/mil. How big of an advantage is the mil/mil. As a total beginner in the tactical scope department simple is better for me as Ive never used turrets or dots in my shooting before.
 
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Magnification and heat are contradicting factors. That involves ambient heat and the barrel's radiating heat. I almost never dial my 3.5-15X, 5.5-22X or 12-42X scopes past 10 or 12 on summer days. Since I shoot most times at 300 yards, the 10X is no handicap.

For comparison's sake, check this link's picture of 4 of my heavy barreled rifle groups. Compare a $1,650.00 Nightforce to a $299.00 SWFA at 300 yards:

http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=537502

Geno :)
 
Mil/mil is a modest benefit for someone just getting into mildot type scopes. I wouldn't pay much extra for it, but would jump at the options that have it that don't cost any more (the Weaver and Elite 3200 10x scopes from Midway).

I can't see much use for more than 10x unless shooting past 500 yards, at varmints, or exclusive benchrest target use. I have a 6.5-20x50 that I got with a used gun and will be selling it soon. Higher magnification results in a very small exit pupil, introduces much greater parallax problems, requires more focusing for different distances, and really reveals quality defects - as you got higher in magnification, you must spent a lot more to preserve a certain level of optical quality. They also tend to be longer and a lot heavier than lower magnification scopes. Certainly high magnification scopes have a place, but it's a place where you need a lot of money and a clear purpose.
 
Thanks guys, that info helps a lot. I think the 10x will likely be all I need. This is just my first step into this world so I'd bet any of the scopes mentioned would be great for me to learn on.
 
just ordered a Leupold Mk4 2.5-8 X 36 mil dot for the exact same gun. I went with lower magnification in light of the fact that the pros seem to go with less rather than more. plus i've always shot open sights fairly well out to about 550 yards.

we'll see how it goes....
 
I'm sure you will like that Leupold, I run a 2-7 Leupold on my 7-08 deer rifle and love it. For now though I'm just looking to get in the game, I have a minor case of gun A.D.D. so I'm not sure the long range shooting will catch on. If it does I will no doubt step it up if needed.
 
A Vortex Optics scope would be a great buy. Stay with the Viper models and up. Vortex has the best customer service with lifetime warranty.
Stay away from ordering from opticsplanet.com
 
I had issues with the Vortex Crossfire, since been returned. First it took nearly 3 weeks to get the scope, after they messed up the initial order. It was an argument to prove that I did not receive the scope. The when they received the failed scope, they wanted to put me back another 2-3 weeks to get a new scope.
I contacted Vortex directly and they took care of me.
 
I'll agree that there are many good budget priced scopes. Some of them are very good, but to compare a Super Sniper to a Nightforce is silly. I'd like to see a comparison done in less than ideal circumstances like dusk, dawn or rain to see what the differences would be.

OK, I got off on a tangent there.

Give the guys at Primary Arms a call. They carry everything from the Bushnell to the Nightforce lines. Good people to deal with.
 
Vortex Viper 6.5-20 x 44 is what I'd get with 400 dollars.

To be honest though, from the 2-300 dollar range, I don't see much improvements in scopes that is worth the extra dough until you reach around 600 dollars. Vortex mid/upper range scopes do have incredibly good value though and construction is good.

I had one and had to send it in because of defects, but they have an excellent warranty. They had it one day and then sent me a tracking number via email for a brand new one on its way back. The new one is problem free so far. I dropped it on accident about 2 1/2 feet on the concrete and it hasn't affected function, other than a nasty scrape (no dent).

They're made in the phillipines except for the low end crossfires which I wouldn't even bother with unless you are looking for a Tasco or Simmons alternative.

Diamondbacks are good as well (2-300), they are just as well built as the vipers, but are more geared towards hunting and less Tacti-cool

if you are willing to go a little more than 400 a Nikon Monarch would serve you well.
 
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